“I think we’re starting to build back up to the levels seen before the severe winters (four and five years ago),” said Sitar. “With our mild winter and a nice long summer I would expect good body weights; there should be good antler development and more deer out there.”

Sitar said the Eastern Upper Peninsula’s limited agricultural areas naturally produce more deer and hunters can capitalize on that — even if they don’t have access to farm land — by hunting nearby public parcels. A second potential hot spot this season will be in the vicinity of oak trees, according to Sitar, which appear to be producing a bumper crop of acorns in isolated pockets throughout the region.

The DNR is considering to monitor two different diseases in the state herd — bovine TB and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) — which have had an impact on the Lower Peninsula population.

“There is no evidence of any of that occurring in the U.P., yet,” said Sitar.

The DNR is not actively checking our area for either disease, but Sitar urged anyone who harvests an animal they suspect may be infected to bring it in for testing. Bovine TB exhibits itself in the form of yellow or tan lumps in the animals rib cage. Those suffering from EHD suffer extensive internal bleeding, lose their appetite and fear of humans; growing progressively weaker until they lose consciousness.

Bovine TB has primarily been found in deer in northern lower Michigan around the Alpena area. EHD, which is transmitted by a type of biting fly, has been confirmed in 24 Lower Peninsula counties and has claimed the lives of more than 4,200 deer so far this summer.

Sitar said that DNR check stations will be maintained throughout the region as the DNR is still collecting information from successful hunter determining the age, antler-size and estimated weight on harvested animals.

Those who bring their deer to the check station will be rewarded with a 2012 Deer Cooperator Patch.